Police probe mass brawl at services after FA Cup semi-final

A number of football fans from the North West have been hospitalised with serious injuries after a mass brawl at a motorway services following Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

Police believe the people involved in the brawl at Newport Pagnell services were fans of Everton and Manchester United football clubs - the two teams contesting the clash.

Between about 9pm and 10pm on Saturday (April 23) fans of the clubs were travelling home from the match when they were involved in an altercation at the services between Northampton and Milton Keynes on the northbound carriageway.

The altercation resulted in four men aged between 25 and 48 being admitted to hospital with a variety of injuries, including a fractured skull, fractured neck, broken nose, bleed on the brain, multiple fractures to the face, a broken ankle, a cut to the lip requiring stitches and four broken teeth.

Det Sgt Phil Turner-Robson from Milton Keynes CID investigating said: “This was a serious disturbance going on between suspected football fans, or people claiming to be fans.

“While there is no information to suggest that this was pre-planned it has resulted in a number of serious injuries.

“Information at this time suggests the catalyst for the disorder was the arrival of the ‘Platinum’ coach carrying Everton fans.

“We are particularly keen to speak to people who were travelling on coaches either operated by the Orion or Platinum coach companies, as we believe they may have information which will help us investigate this incident.“

If you have any information please contact Det Sgt Turner-Robson via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.